Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

These savory and juicy Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. The combination of tender turkey meatballs and creamy pumpkin sage sauce creates a delightful dish that captures the essence of fall. This recipe is not only flavorful but also adaptable, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual weeknight meals to special holiday dinners. Enjoy the rich taste and warm aromas that will fill your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The blend of pumpkin and sage offers a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile serving options: Pair these meatballs with pasta, gnocchi, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Healthy alternative: Ground turkey provides a leaner option compared to traditional meatballs, keeping the meal lighter.
• Impressive presentation: Serve with fried sage leaves for an elegant touch that will impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather essential tools and equipment before you begin. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet (non-stick or cast iron)
• Parchment paper or wax paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without spills.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning meatballs evenly, ensuring a delicious crust while keeping them juicy inside.
• Garlic press: Enhances flavor by easily mincing garlic cloves, saving time on prep work.

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Ingredients

These savory and juicy turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce are a rich, delicious and warming meal brimming with fall flavors!

• 1 1/2 cups (slightly heaping) fresh breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup finely minced onion
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 large whole egg plus 1 yolk
• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 ratio lean to fat)
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing over top and lightly frying
• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely minced onion
• 6 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 (15 ounce) can plus 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage
• Fried sage leaves, optional garnish

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Begin by gathering and prepping all of your turkey meatball ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Meatballs

To prepare your turkey meatballs:
* In a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs and pour over the milk. Let them soak for about 2 to 3 minutes.
* Add in the onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, whole egg plus yolk. Mix thoroughly with a fork until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the ground turkey along with salt and pepper. Using a light hand:
* Gently combine all ingredients until just mixed. The mixture will be sticky; this is normal.

Step 4: Form Meatballs

Using a 2 tablespoon scoop, portion out your turkey meatballs:
* Place them onto a parchment or wax paper-lined platter.
* Freeze for about 20 to 25 minutes until firm.

Step 5: Roll Meatballs

Once chilled:
* Lightly wet your palms with water or oil.
* Quickly roll each portion into round meatballs between your palms.

Step 6: Cook Meatballs

Brush olive oil over each meatball:
* Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with about 4 tablespoons of oil.
* Sear batches of meatballs until browned on all sides (about 10 minutes) until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Prepare Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Gather all pumpkin sage sauce ingredients:
Wipe out the skillet used for frying:
* Add ghee or butter along with olive oil. Once melted and hot:
– Sauté minced onion for about 2 to3 minutes until softened.
– Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; once aromatic:
+ Whisk in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, and chicken stock until smooth.

Step 8: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2 to3 minutes, then turn off heat:
Whisk in grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, and chopped sage.
Add cooked meatballs back into the sauce; let them sit briefly to warm through again.

Serve the turkey meatballs topped with fried sage leaves if desired. Enjoy over gnocchi, linguini, penne pasta or mashed potatoes!

How to Serve Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Serving turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce can elevate your meal experience by pairing them with the right accompaniments. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your dish.

Over Pasta

• Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, gnocchi pairs wonderfully with the creamy pumpkin sage sauce.
• Penne: The tubular shape of penne captures the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
• Linguini: This long pasta offers a delightful texture that complements the meatballs.

With Vegetables

• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach adds a fresh contrast to the rich meatballs and sauce.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that balances the dish.

On a Bed of Grains

• Quinoa: This protein-packed grain adds a nutty flavor while soaking up the sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice: A hearty option, brown rice complements the richness of the turkey meatballs and pumpkin sage sauce.

How to Perfect Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Creating perfect turkey meatballs requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for delicious results every time.

• Choose dark meat turkey: Using ground turkey with a higher fat content (like 93/7) ensures juicy and flavorful meatballs.
• Let breadcrumbs soak: Soaking breadcrumbs in milk adds moisture and binds the ingredients effectively, resulting in tender meatballs.
• Chill before frying: Chilling the formed meatballs helps them hold their shape during cooking, preventing them from falling apart.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to maintain a light texture; overmixing can lead to dense meatballs.
• Use a thermometer: Check for doneness by ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F; this guarantees safety without drying out the meat.

Best Side Dishes for Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Enhancing your meal with complementary side dishes can transform your dining experience. Here are some excellent options for serving alongside turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, they provide a comforting base for soaking up the delicious sauce.
2. Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned and roasted until golden brown, these potatoes add crunch and heartiness to your plate.
3. Cauliflower Rice: A lighter alternative, cauliflower rice absorbs flavors wonderfully while keeping the meal healthy.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the turkey meatballs.
5. Butternut Squash Purée: Smooth and slightly sweet, this purée complements the pumpkin sage sauce beautifully.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce, there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of.

• Ignoring the Soaking Step: Skipping the step of soaking breadcrumbs in milk can lead to dry meatballs. Ensure you let the breadcrumbs absorb moisture for a tender texture.
• Overmixing the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix gently just until combined for a soft, juicy result.
• Not Chilling the Meatballs: Failing to chill the meatballs can result in them falling apart during cooking. Chill for at least 20 minutes to firm them up.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to bland meatballs or sauce. Always season to your preference before serving.
• Rushing the Sauce: Cooking the sauce too quickly may not allow flavors to develop properly. Let it simmer gently for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

• Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce.

Can I use ground turkey breast instead of dark meat?

Using ground turkey breast is possible but may yield drier meatballs. Dark meat offers more flavor and moisture.

What can I serve with turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce?

These meatballs pair well with pasta like gnocchi or linguini, mashed potatoes, or even rice for a complete meal.

How do I customize the flavors of my turkey meatballs?

Feel free to add different herbs or spices such as thyme or oregano for varied flavors. You can also incorporate grated vegetables like zucchini for added nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These turkey meatballs are perfect for meal prep and can be stored easily for quick weeknight dinners.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes! Substitute ground turkey with plant-based protein options like lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Final Thoughts

Turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce offer a delightful blend of savory flavors ideal for cozy meals. This recipe is versatile; feel free to adjust ingredients according to your preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy this comforting dish!